first of all I really Appreciate the write up and the reference to Kazuhiro and your friend is …Fascinating! ty very much for that.
if my drawing seems a bit at a cross-roads; I think its because some of my sketching skills are getting strong enough to illustrate a deep observational challenge for me.
specifically, What makes a scene interesting and engaging? it isn’t always a strict photo-realistic translation of the scene or photograph that I’m working from!
there is alot of Deep philosophical thoughts I Could have about this. but I think its MORE helpful to just head down the path in front of me.
cartoons, Generally, are NOT the direction I want to take my art.
but Realism is also an uncertain destination. photographers spend their lifetimes trying to master the one perfect artful depiction- while at any time at the press of a button; they can have perfect photo-realistic depiction.
so… “Mere” realism is Not the end-goal of my drawing. these would be lovely skills to have: but without the understanding of what I’m trying to express… its not quite enough.
instead I would rather figure out why one photo is so much more interesting then another and then master be able to depict those elements. (even IF that depiction is far from realistic)
PS. virtually framing my drawing was … btw… fascinating! I actually think the frame adds quite a bit to it. but I hope that, in time, I create drawings that better illustrate the ideas I’m searching for.
ofc, I noticed the changes, too! ty. there are values problems scattered about, I think, in part, because I think that the ground; its texture and value is far too light and thin. like you say it undermines the objects in the scene. there’s an abstract texture over nothing; and I’m not very happy with it.
on your changes- the guys pants was brilliant. I can’t remember what the reference image showed (is this Proof of what I mean?- we didn’t get to the fact that pants needed to be darker by looking at the photograph itself) about it but its definitely artistically right to darken it. the goose’s plummage (and another bird nearby)… yes. I’m seeing lots of little tweaks.
very, very helpful thoughts, maki from first to last. ty